A coastal town has experienced a significant decline in its fishing industry over the past decade, with catches falling by 60%. Local fishermen blame increased industrial trawling by large commercial vessels in nearby waters. These industrial operations use methods that damage the seabed and catch fish indiscriminately, including juveniles. The town council has petitioned the national government to ban industrial trawling within 50 miles of the coast. They argue that protecting local waters from industrial fishing will allow fish stocks to recover, restoring the livelihoods of traditional fishermen and revitalizing the town's economy. Environmental groups have supported the petition, noting that industrial fishing has damaged marine ecosystems worldwide. Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the above argument?